Category: Retirement

The Bucket Strategy: How to Effectively Plan Your Retirement Income and Spending (Ep. 20)

The Bucket Strategy: How to Effectively Plan Your Retirement Income and Spending (Ep. 20)

Imagine retiring right before the Covid-19 pandemic. The markets plummeted by double digits!

So how can you ensure your retirement plan is not significantly disrupted by such market volatility? More importantly, how can you ensure you don’t run out of money?

Charlie Massimo and Peter Anastasian answer these questions in this episode. Tune in to learn how to use a “bucket” approach and effectively plan your income and spending for the rest of your life.

Charlie and Peter discuss: 

  • The pivotal shift from accumulation to distribution mode as retirement approaches
  • Short-term, midterm, and long-term buckets and their respective allocations
  • Avoiding common investment mistakes driven by emotions
  • How to prepare for unexpected life events in retirement
  • And more

Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

The Value-Driven Path to Wealth with Elena Beckius (Ep. 19)

The Value-Driven Path to Wealth with Elena Beckius (Ep. 19)

Have you ever let your emotions get the best of you? You’re not alone!

But when it comes to financial planning, emotional decisions can prove to be very costly.

In today’s thought-provoking episode, Charlie Massimo and Peter Anastasian speak with Elena Beckius, a leadership coach and senior vice president at Think2Perform. They help you be more reflective in your decision-making and be better aligned with your core values — so you can avoid knee-jerk choices you may regret later.

Elena discusses: 

  • The critical role of values and emotions in financial decision-making
  • Why you should narrow down your top 5 core values (and reassess them periodically)
  • Practice exercises to elevate your self-awareness
  • How to live in “alignment” with your core values i.e., integrate them into your daily life
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Elena Beckius:

Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

About Our Guest:

If you’re like the leaders Elena coaches, you have an ideal picture of who you want to be and what you want to accomplish in your business, in your personal life, and in your community. As a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author, Elena serves people by helping them make that ideal real. Elena is passionate about helping people know, embrace, and steward their gifts, and to understand their most important values to fully step into their purpose and reach their highest potential.  

Elena joined Think2Perform after 17 years in the Financial Services industry. In those years, she held every field role from Financial Advisor to Executive Field Vice President. 

Elena knows the unique challenges and opportunities for female leaders and female business owners in male-dominated industries.  If you’re a woman looking to take your business, leadership, or influence to the next level, Elena invites you to have a conversation about the power of coaching. Elena also consults with leaders and companies to help them enhance the way they serve women. Nick Kristof said “If you want to change the world, empower a woman.” Elena is on a mission to do just that, empower women.

Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

Debunking Five Common Medicare Myths with Kevin Lawrence (Ep. 18)

Debunking Five Common Medicare Myths with Kevin Lawrence (Ep. 18)

A whopping 72% of 1,260 surveyed adults said they wish they understood Medicare coverage better! This is according to the Nationwide Retirement Institute® 2023 Health Care Costs in Retirement Survey.

It’s time to clear the confusion and dispel some common myths.

Catch this informative podcast, where Charlie Massimo and Peter Anastasian speak with Kevin Lawrence, director of senior markets at Professional Group Plans (PGP). Together, they help listeners make informed decisions by breaking down various aspects of Medicare premiums and coverage.

Kevin discusses: 

  • Five common Medicare myths
  • The intricacies of different Medicare plans (Part B, Part D, Supplement, Advantage, etc.)
  • How Medicare differs from Medicaid
  • Finding a plan that meets your medical needs
  • What questions you should ask to a Medicare salesperson
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Kevin Lawrence:

Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

About Our Guest:

Kevin Lawrence joined Professional Group Plans (PGP) after 10 years at MetLife and 2 years as Vice President of Advanced Planning Partners. Over the last several years of his career, Kevin has concentrated his practice on helping seniors with their healthcare needs and has become a top producer in Medicare Supplement Plans, Part D Plans, and Medicare Advantage Plans.

Kevin takes pride in educating his clients to ensure that they are confident that they have chosen the best product for their needs. He is well known in the brokerage community as an expert on eliminating the confusion surrounding Medicare. Many brokers rely on Kevin’s guidance to help them solve problems for their clients.

Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

Solving the Social Security Puzzle with David Freitag (Ep. 17)

Solving the Social Security Puzzle with David Freitag (Ep. 17)

With a myriad of rules, regulations, and strategies to consider, Social Security can seem like a complex puzzle. It’s a topic our clients frequently ask us about!

Join Peter Anastasian and Charlie Massimo as they speak with David Freitag, CLU, ChFC, CRPC, financial planning consultant at MassMutual Financial Group. Together, they debunk common myths and provide clarity on how to maximize your benefit so you can avoid suboptimal decisions that jeopardize your golden years.

David discusses: 

  • A quick background on Social Security and where we stand today
  • Why you should regularly check your Social Security earnings history
  • Finding the ideal time to claim Social Security (key factors to consider)
  • How taxes and inflation may affect your benefits
  • The importance of personalized planning for you and your spouse
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

Connect with David Freitag:

Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

Settling the 60/40 Debate: Is the Traditional Stocks-Bonds Mix Still Relevant? (Ep. 16)

Settling the 60/40 Debate: Is the Traditional Stocks-Bonds Mix Still Relevant? (Ep. 16)

As the economy copes with high interest rates and stubborn inflation, you may have come across an unsettling question: Is the traditional portfolio of 60% stocks and 40% bonds still relevant?

The short answer is yes. But there are some caveats to consider, like everything else in investing.

In this episode, Peter Anastasian and Charlie Massimo explain how the traditional 60/40 investment portfolio model can be strategically used to manage risk and navigate market volatility — so you can sleep better at night.

Charlie and Peter discuss: 

  • The importance of diversification, rebalancing, and patience (against being swayed by media narratives)
  • How to avoid common investing mistakes
  • The role of short-term treasuries in risk management and stability
  • Why you should consider individual risk tolerances, age, and other crucial factors
  • And more!

Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

Physicians & Finances with Dr. Chris Campese, Dr. Leo Penzi, and Dr. William Kruger (Ep. 15)

Physicians & Finances with Dr. Chris Campese, Dr. Leo Penzi, and Dr. William Kruger (Ep. 15)

Wealth management may look very different for different professionals.

Today, we look at wealth management from the lens of physicians, specifically anesthesiologists who have accumulated wealth over several decades.

In this episode, Peter Anastasian and Charlie Massimo speak with Dr. Chris Campese, chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at Glen Cove Hospital, Dr. Leo Penzi, executive vice president and chief medical officer at North American Partners of Anesthesia, and Dr. William Kruger, a leader at TeamHealth. They share their personal and professional experiences with financial planning.

Chris, Leo, and William discuss: 

  • The evolution of anesthesiology as a profession
  • The importance of disciplined saving, working with trusted advisors, and planning ahead
  • How to overcome the emotional barriers of investing and delegate financial control to advisors
  • Challenges faced by new anesthesiologists (with tips for getting a financial head start)
  • And more!

Connect with Wealth Enhancement Group:

Connect with Dr. Chris Campese:

Connect with Dr. Leo Penzi:

Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

Understanding Volatility vs. Risk: The Key to Panic-Proof Investing (Ep. 14)

Understanding Volatility vs. Risk: The Key to Panic-Proof Investing (Ep. 14)

In the world of investing, surprises can be the mother of panic. But what if you could be prepared and stay ahead of the curve to maximize protection in the marketplace? 

In this episode, Peter Anastasian and Charlie Massimo explore how unexpected twists and a lack of preparation can trigger investment panic, offering valuable insights on maintaining a level head.

Discover the critical distinctions between volatility and risk, and how educating clients about market history can be a game-changer. They’ll equip you with strategies to prepare for market fluctuations and empower you to navigate the choppy waters of investing. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to master the art of investment resilience.

Charlie and Peter discuss: 

  • How unexpected twists and a lack of preparation can trigger investment panic.
  • The critical distinctions between volatility and risk.
  • Strategies to prepare for market fluctuations and stay calm in turbulent times.
  • The role of media in creating panic and the importance of grounding decisions in historical data.
  • The significance of crafting a detailed investment plan tailored to individual needs and
  • life stages to maintain focus during market downturns.
  • And More!

Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable or you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are

unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

Demographics, Healthcare Costs, and Social Security: The Perfect Storm for A Future Depression. (Ep. 13)

Demographics, Healthcare Costs, and Social Security: The Perfect Storm for A Future Depression. (Ep. 13)

There are recessions and there are depressions, and no crystal ball can tell you what’s coming next…

In this episode, Charlie Massimo and Peter Anastasian discuss the possibility of a future depression and the factors that could contribute to it. They explore reasons such as demographics, healthcare costs, and the difficulty of cutting social security benefits. 

While emphasizing the importance of financial preparedness and caution against unnecessary risks, they also discuss the US national debt and the global nature of the potential depression. Charlie and Peter stress the need for investors to work with fiduciaries who prioritize their clients’ best interests. 

Peter and Charles discuss: 

  • The importance of working for investors with fiduciary responsibility in their client’s best interest 
  • Rising healthcare costs and its impact on the economy
  • Difficulty of cutting social security benefits and entitlement programs
  • Importance of financial preparedness and caution against unnecessary risks
  • US national debt and the global nature of the potential depression
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Charlie Massimo: 

Connect with Peter Anastasian: 

Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

Coaching and Seamlessly Evolving With Your Practice with Michael Brinkley, CFP®, CEPA (Ep. 12)

Coaching and Seamlessly Evolving With Your Practice with Michael Brinkley, CFP®, CEPA (Ep. 12)

Are you looking to exit your business in the most seamless way possible, allowing for the new leaders to integrate into your business without a huge shift? 

In this episode, Charlie Massimo and Peter Anastasian are joined by Michael Brinkley, CFP®, CEPA. Michael explains the process of becoming a certified exit planning advisor and emphasizes the need to consider both financial and personal aspects when planning for an exit. 

Michael discusses: 

  • Common obstacles in business deals regarding exit strategies
  • The importance of having the right team of advisors by your side 
  • The emotional side of exiting a business and how that can affect the way in which you go about strategizing 
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Charlie Massimo: 

Connect with Peter Anastasian: 

Connect with Michael:

Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable or you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

Umbrella Insurance: The Extra Layer of Protection Your Wealth Deserves with Ron Rugolo (Ep. 11)

Umbrella Insurance: The Extra Layer of Protection Your Wealth Deserves with Ron Rugolo (Ep. 11)

Curious about how to safeguard your assets and navigate the intricate world of insurance? 

Take advantage of this chance to equip yourself with valuable insights that could transform how you approach insurance and risk management.

In this episode, Charlie Massimo and Peter Anastasian are back to discuss the importance of property and casualty insurance for asset protection and risk mitigation. Joining them is Ron Rugolo, Vice President of Bradley & Parker, who shares insights on reviewing policies, working with A-rated carriers, and the changing landscape of the insurance industry.

With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Ron’s expertise lies in understanding the nuances of insurance policies, the differences between carriers, and the evolving landscape of the industry. 

Ron discusses: 

  • The ins and outs of deductibles 
  • How you can schedule various items on insurance policies 
  • Working with A-rated carriers and superior claims service
  • The need for umbrella insurance for excess liability coverage
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Charlie Massimo: 

Connect with Peter Anastasian: 

Connect with Ron Rugolo: 

Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable or you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.

Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. No strategy ensures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.